I need a recommendation on a backpack.
The ultimate would be the Dry Zone but that is quite expensive.
Ideally, I would like something where I could throw food for hiking, a camera body and (2) lenses. It should have an attachment for a tripod or a way to attach one plus a place for a 50+ oz bladder. It does not need to be a camera back. It needs to have a rain cover.
My Mountainsmith Paragon fits the bill, except maybe for the bladder. Most comfortable camera backpack I've had. It's out of production, but you might want to check out their latest offerings.
I love my Tamrac adventure 74. It fits my tripod, dslr, 3 lenses and accessories. It's very comfortable. A 32 oz nalgene fit in the back and was secured with a clip.
Thanks for the feedback everyone.
I am planning to use this backpack for hike in Zion and Yellowstone.
I need something that I can carry 1 body, 2-3 lenses, tripod, some food, water and a rain jacket.
I prefer something light and I am leaning towards a hiking bag if I can find one that fits the bill.
Take a look at the grand tour or the bugaboo from Mountainsmith through Sierra Trading Post. I'm using the bugaboo for hiking, and since it's panel-loading, it's relatively easy to get at your photo gear as well. Ironically, from the hiking side of things, you don't want an ultralight pack, since it won't give you the support you want to be able to carry camera gear. You could then add an insert from f-stop gear. It's easy to add a separate bladder, if you like. Most packs don't come with a rain cover, but REI will sell you one separately.
I'm not affiliated with STP, but I should be -- I buy tons of stuff from them. If you're a new customer, you can often find a coupon for an additional 25% off your first order.
I've had Kata's, LowerPro's, etc etc and never have been all that happy with any of them except maybe A&A. I do mostly city but also am sometimes in the rain forest, jungle, tropics, volcanic areas, etc.
I use either the mountainsmiths recommended above or arcteryx packs with my gear in lens cases. I am also fond of the burton zoom series camera snowboard packs.
